AboutTom Alonzo Expertise I have been growing plants from seeds for at least 20 years. I have grown literally hundreds of different kinds of vegetables, trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, tropicals, some cacti, water plants, iris, rose, lilies, cannas, etc. I enjoy starting from seed.
Experience I've been growing my own seeds for 20 years with indoor propagation equipment I built myself. I am also an Allexperts volunteer on the perennial forum. I have completed the Master Gardener course through the Kansas State University Extension. I have experience with a wide variety of seeds and I have also read through Norm Deno's books on seed germination.
Expert: Tom Alonzo Date: 6/25/2008 Subject: trumpet vines
Question I appreciate your candor, Tom. I figured you might tell me to beware the
invasive vine. Would you please suggest a substitute for my deck railing, one
that might attract hummingbirds, if that is possible.
Answer Hi Linda,
Thanx for your question. I had a neighbor across the street who grew Ipomoea quamoclit which is also known as Cypress Vine. It is in the morning glory but not as invasive and controlled by frost kill. It has very delicate ferny foliage and will grow to 20 feet long with small tubular shaped, deep red flowers that hummingbirds adore! But, so do bees! Here is a link to see a pic. http://www.floridata.com/ref/I/ipom_qua.cfm
This plant readily reseeds itself and will come back year after year if you do not disturb the soil around it. It is a pretty plant and fills in fast as the days become warmer. I hope this helps but if it doesn't, let me know and I'll see what else I can come up with.
Tom
